Page 8 of For the Ghastly and Beautiful

“Don’t.”

Imryll smirks. “She is fond of you when you’re quiet.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

“Who are you lying to?”

Ecaeris ignores his comment. “We need to figure out how to keep her happy while guarding her.”

“Connak also told me we can’t shield her from everything. We’ll smother her,” Talodus helpfully states.

I talk around him, still teasing the prince of delusions. “Oh, so you like her now?”

“What?” He scoffs. “No. But she’s clearly important.”

“Sure, Ecaeris. Whatever you say.”

“He’s a terrible liar,” Imy whispers behind his hand.

Ecaeris growls at us. “Just go get her things, Connak. Please.”

“Are you coming with me?”

He stares blankly at me, letting nothing cross his features.

“Fine. Come on, Tal. Let’s leave the prince to sulk.”